Sonia Boddie-Thompson Marks 15 Years of Public Service

Sonia Boddie-Thompson, a distinguished diplomat and public servant from St. Kitts and Nevis, has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating 15 years of dedicated service to her nation. Her career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service, her exceptional skills in diplomacy and public administration, and her deep-seated passion for national development. From her early days in tax administration to her current role as a Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, Boddie-Thompson’s journey reflects a consistent upward trajectory marked by significant achievements and unwavering dedication.

Boddie-Thompson’s career began in the Ministry of Finance, where she served as a Senior Tax Inspector and Public Relations Officer for the VAT Implementation Team. Her engaging and effective communication style earned her the endearing monikers “Miss VAT” and “VAT Lady,” highlighting her ability to connect with the public and explain complex tax policies in an accessible manner. This early experience laid the foundation for her future success in public service, demonstrating her aptitude for public engagement and her commitment to educating citizens. Her dedication to improving tax administration continued as Supervisor of the Taxpayer Services, Education, and Registration Division at the Inland Revenue Department, where she spearheaded modernization initiatives, particularly focusing on the implementation of e-services. This focus on technological advancement further underscores her forward-thinking approach to public service and her commitment to improving efficiency and accessibility for citizens.

The subsequent phase of Boddie-Thompson’s career saw her transition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where her linguistic skills in English and Spanish, coupled with advanced training, proved invaluable. As a Foreign Service Officer, and later as a Senior Foreign Service Officer, she played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding scholarship opportunities for citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. This period marked a significant expansion of her responsibilities and showcased her ability to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy. Her dedication to promoting her nation’s interests abroad and her commitment to providing educational opportunities for her fellow citizens further exemplify her dedication to national development.

Boddie-Thompson’s career reached another significant milestone with her appointment as Clerk of the National Assembly, a role she held from 2017 to 2021. This appointment was historic, making her the first female and youngest individual to hold this position in the region. During her tenure, she focused on enhancing legislative processes, contributing significantly to the strengthening of the nation’s parliamentary framework. Her success in this demanding role demonstrated her deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and her ability to effectively manage complex legislative processes. This appointment further solidified her reputation as a highly capable and effective public servant.

Currently, Boddie-Thompson serves as Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations in New York City. Prior to this appointment, she held a similar role at the Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. These roles have placed her at the forefront of international diplomacy, representing her nation on the global stage and advocating for its interests. Her experience in these high-profile positions has further honed her diplomatic skills and solidified her reputation as a respected voice in international affairs. Her continued service in these critical roles underscores her commitment to representing St. Kitts and Nevis on the world stage and advancing its interests within the international community.

Looking back on her distinguished career, Boddie-Thompson expresses gratitude for the mentors, colleagues, and stakeholders who have supported her journey. She credits them with shaping her into the accomplished public servant she is today. Her 15 years of service are a testament to her dedication to the motto “Country Above Self,” a principle that has guided her throughout her career. Her achievements, including an MSc in Public Administration and a BSc in International Relations, are further evidence of her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, Sonia Boddie-Thompson remains a role model for aspiring public servants and a source of pride for St. Kitts and Nevis. Her story is an inspiration, demonstrating the power of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving one’s nation. She stands as a shining example of excellence in public service, a testament to the positive impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities and the world.